Reflections on the 4th of July

The Fourth of July, Independence Day, a day to celebrate our country’s forefathers who made the decision to declare our independence from England. It’s a holiday that for us has always been a time to be with family. Whether we were in Atlanta with Chris’s family or at Surfside Beach with mine, there was always plenty of laughter, food, fireworks and fun! Hard to believe but there were a couple of years the Mayville family ran in the Peachtree Road Race! I always “volunteered” to keep all the young children. Someone had to do it! 😉
We were at the beach this year and I will forever cherish the memories created. I think we found our new breakfast place. We’re pretty excited about it. Sadly the one Chris loved to take the children to has changed ownership. No one was willing to even go back until this year and those who went a few weeks ago decided that it isn’t the same and not somewhere they want to continue visiting. There was putt-putt and shopping and a drive down the strip. There was plenty of beach time- digging moats, net fishing, boogie boarding, skim boarding and kick the bucket soccer, which ended with two pretty ugly injuries. Oops! Nobody said we weren’t competitive! 
By far the best part of beach time this year was introducing my precious grandson to the beach. Walking with him, my son and daughter-in-love to the edge of the ocean and putting his toes in the water and welcoming him to the beach was totally awesome. He may not have squealed with delight but he also didn’t scream in fear! He was quite content. He even dug his toes down in the sand. During the course of the week, his aunts and I had the opportunity to dip his toes in the water. It was special for all of us. The beach has always been our happy place and to all be there to share in PC’s first experience was important. 
Cole Swindell’s song, “You Should Be Here” came to mind throughout the week as I thought of Chris not being here to experience these grandparent and parent moments. He always said he wanted to be called C Pop by the grands and I should be called Chickie Poo! I have no idea where that came from and I always laughed and told him Chickie Poo was not an appropriate name for a Grandma, that I would be good with GiGi or MiMi. He would have loved having his turn dipping PC’s toes in the ocean. I know he was smiling as he watched us. 

I believe the happiness and joy I was able to experience watching the children and my brother and his family play on the beach came from being content in where we all are now and from Chris’s presence and God’s grace.
My heart still hurts but I can enjoy special family moments without falling apart now. I can be present in the moment and appreciate God’s blessings in my life, starting with Chris. 

This photo was taken just before the Murrells Inlet Fireworks July 4, 2010. It’s the only family photo we have with KP in it. I can’t express the importance of taking lots of photos of your family. They become a connection with the past and loved ones you’ve lost. 

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.